D. Maxine Patmon, daughter of Daris and Ruby (Hardman) Karnes, was born on May 13, 1929, at the family home in Studley, Kansas. Maxine attended school in Hoxie and several Oregon elementary schools during her younger years and returned to Hoxie for high school. It was during high school that she met Bill Patmon, who was the love of her life. They were married on July 25, 1945, at the courthouse in Colby, Kansas. Together they lived southwest of Hoxie where they built their home and created their own little slice of heaven. During the first seven years they welcomed their four children: Barbara (Richard) Ringer, Lenny (Michelle) Patmon, Sue (Wayne) Mountford, Cindy (Tim) Brainard.
Maxine helped Bill with farming chores, planted a big garden and raised their four children. Maxine was an excellent seamstress and took great pride in creating clothes for the children. As the kids grew up, she was a 4H sewing leader, was active in church and participated in the Neighborhood Entertainment Company. While her girls were in high school, it wasn’t unusual for her to be sewing the last hook and eye on a party dress as the girl(s) were headed out the door, Maxine worked as a cook in the high school cafeteria for several years. She became acquainted with many students over the years. Her memory is held fondly by many of those students.
During the summer, the Patmon house bulged at the seams with cousins and friends who loved to spend time on the farm. Maxine always found an extra seat at the table for anyone who showed up. It was a busy but happy home.
Faith was an important part of Maxine’s life, and she was active in the Christian Church where she served in many capacities. Later she and Bill belonged to the Methodist Church and as always, she became an active member of the congregation by helping with anything and everything that was needed.
Bill and Maxine moved off the farm in 1997 and bought a house in Hoxie. It was a big change after 52 years on the farm, but they easily became good neighbors and friends to those in their neighborhood and active in the community.
After her girls were grown, Maxine enjoyed making dresses for the granddaughters. From there she moved into quilting and quickly became an excellent quilt maker. Her goal was to complete a bed sized quilt for each of her 14 grandchildren which she did accomplish. Just like all avid quilters, she had a substantial fabric ‘stash’ to draw from. Each and every bed in their home had one of Maxine’s quilts as a bedspread. She is being followed in her love of quilting by her daughters and daughter-in-law.
Maxine resided at the SCHC-LTC for the past seven years where she shared her ‘sparkle’ with all those around her. She was very engaged in the many activities that were offered. Most recently she enjoyed the Reading Club. Maxine was adored by the staff for her independent spirit, wit, and ‘sassy’ nature. She will be greatly missed.
Maxine was preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 75 years.
Loved ones left to mourn Maxine are her son Lenny (Michelle) Patmon, daughters Barbara (Richard) Ringer, Sue (Wayne) Mountford, and Cindy (Tim) Brainard, sister, Shirley Allacher, sister-in-law, Vivian Edwards, 14 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.
A life well lived indeed!
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 25, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., with family receiving friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., at Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, Hoxie, Kansas. A private family interment will take place later.
Memorials are suggested to Sheridan County LTC Activities or HAMA Food Pantry and may be sent to Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, KS 67740.